The New South Wales (NSW) passenger train system has been experiencing a surge in worn-out wheels on its decades-old V-set trains, leading to some trains being taken out of operation and multiple daily services being cancelled on intercity routes from Sydney. The V-set trains, built in the 1970s, have been facing maintenance issues, highlighting the strain on the state’s aging rail fleet. This has been exacerbated by a five-year delay in the introduction of new Korean-built intercity trains that were meant to replace the V-sets.
Documents have revealed that several V-set trains have been removed from service for “corrective maintenance” and sent to the yards at Flemington. As a result of these maintenance issues, four services a day have been cancelled on the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, and Newcastle lines over the past six weeks. A Sydney Trains assessment found that the number of V-set trains needing essential maintenance has surpassed the capacity to run a full timetable on these lines.
The V-set trains, identifiable by the “Intercity” sign on the driver’s cabin against an orange background, have been facing challenges due to the delayed retirement caused by the late arrival of the Korean-built intercity trains. Sydney Trains has implemented temporary timetable changes on certain intercity services due to essential fleet maintenance, with services set to be reinstated by the weekend. Over the past six weeks, 32 wheel sets and eight bogies have been replaced, and the wheel lathe at the Flemington maintenance centre has been running 24/7 to ensure the V-set wheels meet specifications.
The maintenance issues plaguing the V-set trains have had a significant impact on the operation of intercity services in NSW. Despite efforts to address the worn-out wheels and other maintenance requirements, the delays and cancellations have caused disruptions for passengers traveling on key routes from Sydney. The situation underscores the challenges faced by NSW’s aging rail fleet and the need for timely fleet replacement and maintenance to ensure reliable and efficient transportation services.
Sydney Trains has been working diligently to address the maintenance issues affecting the V-set trains, with a focus on ensuring the safety and reliability of the fleet. The operator has conducted assessments, implemented temporary timetable changes, and increased maintenance efforts to replace wheel sets and bogies on the affected trains. While the challenges persist, Sydney Trains is committed to restoring full services on intercity routes and minimizing disruptions for passengers.
In conclusion, the problems faced by NSW’s aging V-set trains highlight the broader issue of maintaining and updating the state’s rail fleet to ensure safe and efficient transportation services. The delays in retiring the V-set trains and introducing new intercity trains have magnified the maintenance challenges, leading to canceled services and operational disruptions. As Sydney Trains continues to address the issues with the V-set fleet, efforts are being made to reinstate full services and improve the reliability of intercity routes for passengers in NSW.
